Injuries to the cartilage (smooth covering over the ends of the bone) of the elbow joint are relatively common. When the damage to the cartilage is large and involves the entire surface, it is typically referred to as “Elbow Arthritis”  – but you can experience more focal injuries to the cartilage of the elbow. One of the most common forms of cartilage injuries in the elbow is “osteochondritis dissecans” (OCD). This typically occurs in the capitulum (outer part of the humerus bone), but it can occur in other locations of the elbow. The severity of this injury is quite variable. It can be small or large in size. It may affect the cartilage alone, or it can affect the cartilage and the underlying bone. While it is most common in younger athletes (ages 10-18), it can occur in patients of all ages.